Summerhill School is a free British boarding school founded in 1921 by A.S. Neill with the thought that the school must be made to suit the child. Also, it is managed as a democratic community; the school running is carried out in the school meetings that anyone, pupil or staff, may attend, and where everybody has equal rights. These meetings serve as a judicial and legislative body. Community members are free to do what they want, if their actions do not harm others. It extends to the pupil’s freedom to select which lessons they attend.
Historically, Summerhill School has been tolerated by the British Government, though a last positive inspection report can indicate the relationship is improving.
Although A.S. Neill was concerned with the children’s social development than their academic development, the school has some significant differences in the approach to teaching. Also, there is no concept of a “form” or “year” at Summerhill. In its place, children are placed in accordance with their capability in a provided subject. It is common for one class to have pupils of varying ages, or 13-14 year old pupils taking GCSE exams. Such structure reflects a concept that children must progress at their pace than meeting a fixed standard by a particular age.
In addition, there are two classrooms operating on a “drop-in” basis, the art room and the workshop. Anyone can attand these classrooms and make about anything. Usually, children play with toys that they have made by themselves, and much of the décor and furniture in Summerhill School has been constructed by students.